Researchers have traced Leonardo da Vinci's family across 21 generations, identifying 15 living male descendants for genetic analysis. The Leonardo DNA Project aims to reconstruct the Renaissance genius's genetic profile using Y chromosome matches. Excavations at a family tomb in Vinci, Italy, are underway to recover ancient remains for comparison.
A new book, 'Genìa Da Vinci. Genealogy and Genetics for Leonardo's DNA,' details three decades of research by Alessandro Vezzosi and Agnese Sabato of the Leonardo Da Vinci Heritage Association in Vinci. Supported by the Municipality of Vinci, the study reconstructs a family tree from 1331, covering more than 400 individuals. It identifies 15 living male descendants linked through the paternal line to Leonardo's father and half-brother, Domenico Benedetto. DNA tests on six of these descendants, conducted by David Caramelli of the University of Florence and Elena Pilli, confirm matching Y chromosome segments, verifying a continuous male lineage over at least 15 generations. Caramelli noted, 'Further detailed analyses are necessary to determine whether the DNA extracted is sufficiently preserved.' Archaeological digs at the Da Vinci family tomb in the Church of Santa Croce in Vinci have uncovered bone fragments, including one radiocarbon-dated specimen from a male consistent with Leonardo's relatives. Anthropologists Alessandro Riga and Luca Bachechi are analyzing these for Y chromosome matches with living descendants. The Leonardo DNA Project, launched in 2016 and coordinated from The Rockefeller University in New York, involves institutions like the J. Craig Venter Institute and the University of Florence. Project director Jesse H. Ausubel said, 'Even a tiny fingerprint on a page could contain cells to sequence.' Vezzosi added, 'Through the recovery of Leonardo's DNA, we hope to understand the biological roots of his extraordinary visual acuity, creativity, and possibly even aspects of his health and causes of death.' The effort could enable DNA analysis from Leonardo's manuscripts or artworks, potentially revealing traits like left-handedness or health predispositions.